Dolphins decision to release CB Tony Lippett was based on training camp performance

A year ago, the Dolphins expected Tony Lippett to be their starting cornerback opposite Xavien Howard, but then tragedy struck. Lippett tore his Achilles during a preseason practice as he missed the entire 2017 season.

Fast forward a year later, the Dolphins released Lippett during cutdown day as he couldn’t regain his starting cornerback form prior to his injury.

“That one…we went off of the performance was this training camp,” Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said on Sunday. “Some people might disagree, we felt that’s where we’re at right now. We wanted to keep those guys and maybe it was time for us to part ways with Tony. That wasn’t fun because of history of being here together and being a Michigan State guy as well just..I will always going to be pulling for him. And if he ends up back here at some point, I’m all for it.”

Lippett, a 2015 fifth-round pick, started 13 games for the Dolphins during the 2016 season. That year, Lippett led the Dolphins in interceptions (four) as he also registered 67 tackles and 10 pass deflections.

However, Lippett never could regain his same form through the summer as he was competing with Torry McTyer for the starting cornerback spot opposite Howard. In the end, the Dolphins decided to move starting nickel cornerback Bobby McCain to the outside spot while moving rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick to the nickel spot.

If Lippett can get back to 100 percent, he will be valuable as a lot of teams could use help at the cornerback position. But don’t be surprised if he chooses to sit out the entire 2018 season with the hopes he will be completely healthy next year.

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